(IsraelNN.com) President Moshe Katzav granted an exclusive interview to Arutz-7 today, and was asked about his recent call to imprison those who say that the disengagement plan is a "danger to state security."

The President said yesterday that those who "incite against the disengagement decisions of the government and Knesset, and call [them] a danger to security, should be placed behind bars... The disengagement does not endanger state security, and does not present an existential danger... If one hot-headed individual hears that his leader says that Sharon is endangering the state, he is liable to decide to do something about it..."

Arutz-7's Haggai Segal asked the President today, "If one cannot say that the plan is dangerous, then what is left for its opponents to say?"

Katzav responded, "The Hebrew language is rich, and there is a wide range of verbal phrases that can be used against the disengagement plan. One can talk about security dangers, that it gives a supporting wind to terror, and the like, but not to say that it is a crime against humanity or a mortal blow at the State of Israel. These are already beyond the pale, for if it's true that the Prime Minister wants to perpetrate such a terrible crime, then it's natural that someone will want to do everything he can to be rid of such a leader."

Segal: "Isn't this situation, in which people are afraid that anything they say could lead to problems with the police, a blow at democracy?"

Katzav: "Democracy is not chaos. It is not the freedom to say everything one wants. Democracy is freedom of speech when the speech is considered, responsible, and restrained. No one is terrorizing those who have criticism of the government. Everyone certainly knows how to wage what is, in my eyes, a legitimate struggle against the disengagement, and it must be done in a legitimate manner. There are statements that are dangerous to democracy. Freedom of speech is not unlimited."

Segal: "But saying that the Prime Minister is endangering state security verges on criminal activity?"

Katzav: "Look, you're getting into legal niceties; I'm talking about the atmosphere..."

Segal: "You also came out against the phrase 'civil war.' But those who use it are not necessarily threatening, but are rather warning. Aren't you yourself concerned over violence between the sides?"

Katzav: "Yes, and that's why I have called to refrain from incitement and to wage this struggle without causing a split... We must maintain certain limits and rules, and take care not to stray from the path so as not to fall into an abyss."

Asked whether he supports a national referendum on the issue of the withdrawal from Gaza, the President said, "In general, I feel that any cardinal issue with historic ramifications on which the Knesset has difficulty reaching a decision, or if the decision is liable to pass with a very narrow majority, and there is a danger of a split in the nation - it would be right to bring this issue to a popular vote. Regarding this specific issue, I don't want to take a stand, since if I say I'm in favor of a referendum, it will be interpreted as being against the disengagement, and vice-versa. I don't want to take an official position on [the plan]."

Segal: "Is it legitimate for a Prime Minister to change his mind so totally? He was elected on a platform that completely rejected a unilateral withdrawal, and now he is leading a process of unilateral withdrawal. Is this democratic?"

Katzav: "It's the Prime Minister's right to bring this matter up in the government. His plan will not be valid until the Knesset passes it as law. He can bring it for a vote in the Cabinet, the body that he heads - this is his right - but the State of Israel is obligated only by a Knesset vote."

Segal: "Isn't it true that a move such as uprooting communities could never be carried out in this manner against the Arab public?"

Katzav, sighing: "The entire issue is a matter of values, as well as being a security-political issue, and this is exactly the type of matter that the State's bodies are authorized to decide on. Whoever thinks it's not legal can turn to the courts, and whoever thinks it's not ethical can turn to public opinion and to the Knesset. Those who object to this plan have shown that they know how to wage this struggle: The Human Chain [from Gaza to Jerusalem, ten weeks ago - ed.] was a most impressive event, and there are other efficient and legitimate methods, and there is no need to utilize illegal methods."